A canopy bed is the dream of almost every little lady. Most romantic girls and women would also like to have such an accessory in their bedroom. Unfortunately, in Russian apartments such a decorative element can be found very rarely, as it is believed that it takes up too much space.
A little digression into history
The canopy over the bed appeared in the days of the first eastern rulers, who always loved to surround themselves with unprecedented luxury. However, then the canopy served not so much for beauty as for protection from annoying insects, and also played the role of a kind of barrier behind which the ruler could retire from the all-seeing eyes of his subjects.
In our time, such an accessory is most often used as an element of decor, although no one has canceled the functional qualities of the canopy. For example, the interior of the children's room looks very nice, where the four-poster bed for the girl is located. In it, the young lady will feel like a real princess. The canopy also looks good onan adult bed, especially if the bedroom is decorated in Moroccan or Oriental styles.
Classic crown and arch frames
Designers warn that canopies in bedrooms may not fit perfectly into all existing interior styles, but only into some of them:
- Frame "crown". It is a ring with a fabric fixed on it. Usually it is attached to the ceiling in the center of the bed and resembles a kind of crown. A similar frame would be appropriate in Moroccan and classic bedrooms. It will also fit perfectly into styles such as romantic and Provence.
- Frame "arc". It is made in the form of a semicircle and is attached at the head of the bed. It is wonderful for the following styles: baroque, classic, provence and colonial
Other types of canopy double bed frames
- Cords. A canopy placed on such a frame would be appropriate in a teenage room or above a bed located in a country house. With the help of cords, you can decorate the original canopy, you just need to show your imagination.
- Frame "frame". Most often these are racks located at the corners of the bed. From above, they are interconnected by crossbars. This article contains photos of a canopy bed, where a frame with racks acts as a frame, on which fabric is hung. Sometimes they are missing, and the rectangular frame itself is attached directly to the ceiling.
- Independent framework. For example, it can be a cornice, a varnished tree branch, or crossbars. In this caseit will be enough to arrange such a mount in accordance with the style of the bedroom, and the result will be impressive.
Choosing textiles
It is desirable that the fabrics used to make bed canopies for the bedroom meet the following requirements:
- Loose structure. Preferably the material that has a free weave of threads.
- Naturality. For the manufacture of canopies, it is advisable to choose a fabric made from environmentally friendly raw materials.
- One color scheme. It is best if the canopy matches the main tone of the bedroom. Also, an excellent option for an interior designed in any color scheme is a light-colored fabric.
- Required amount of material. There should be enough fabric to form a beautiful drape, but avoid layering it.
A good canopy can be made from materials such as natural silk, cotton, satin, cambric and tulle.
Dignity
A canopy bed has a number of benefits that cannot be underestimated:
- Decorative. Such a curtain in the bedroom can be a real highlight of the interior. The canopy visually lowers the high ceilings, which, according to psychologists, prevent a good sleep.
- Comfort. Oddly enough, but thin fabric can evoke a sense of security and privacy. Probably, many in childhood built huts, covering them from abovebedspreads, and then hid inside, feeling safe and some special comfort. The same feeling of warmth and complete harmony can be caused by a canopy located above the bed.
- Protection functions. A canopy on a children's bed, made of opaque fabric, can protect both a child's nighttime sleep from the glow of a too bright moon, and daytime sleep from the penetration of sunlight. Also with its help it is easy to hide from nasty and annoying insects. In addition, the dense canopy fabric can protect against cold air and drafts.
- Solitude. The presence of a canopy by the bed can become indispensable, for example, in a studio apartment where there are no interior doors. It will help to safely hide from prying eyes.
- Soundproof properties. Thick fabric can muffle loud sounds coming from the street or neighboring rooms.
Disadvantages of canopies
Unfortunately, a canopy bed also has its disadvantages, which are much less than the pros:
- Dust is the main problem of fabric canopies, which are able to collect it on their surface. That is why it is not recommended for people suffering from allergies to build such a canopy over their bed. However, this problem can be successfully de alt with by washing the canopy at least once a week.
- Visual reduction of space. If the room is too small, and even with a low ceiling, then the canopy will most likely have to be abandoned. Otherwise, the bedroom may visuallyturn into a very tiny room.
- Frequent washing. Even people who do not suffer from allergy attacks should carefully monitor the cleanliness of the canopy. It is recommended to send it to the laundry at least monthly.
- Additional cost. While the fabric is in the wash, its place will be empty. If this state of affairs confuses someone, you will have to buy another canopy. It is not necessary to purchase two identical canopies, as with different fabrics the bedroom will look updated every time. Therefore, if you wish, this disadvantage can be considered as an advantage.
DIY canopy on racks: materials and tools
Building this type of frame is a somewhat time-consuming process, but the result can exceed all expectations, as the bedroom will instantly turn into a luxurious royal apartment. To carry out this plan, you will need the following:
- Four frames. Two of them should be equal to the length of the bed, and the rest - to its width. In retail outlets, you can purchase ready-made planks with spikes that will ensure their reliable connection with racks.
- Four decorative tips. They should immediately purchase the same number of pads.
- Four ready-made wooden racks. Well, if the material is under the frame, with U-shaped grooves.
- Secrets or screws.
- Wood glue.
- Varnish for wood.
- Four dowels.
- Fabric at least 10 meters long.
Stand Mounting Instructions
In fact, thisframe on which the canopy will be fixed. Racks of such a frame can be made of metal, plastic or wood. In our case, we use the last of the above materials. Following the step-by-step instructions below, you can relatively easily make a canopy frame for an adult bed with your own hands:
Step 1. Crossbars and racks are interconnected by inserting spikes into the grooves and reinforcing their fixation with self-tapping screws and glue.
Step 2. The finished structure is varnished in two or three layers. If the bed is made of dark wood, then the frame must be pre-treated with potassium permanganate or stain, and then wait until the surface is completely dry. Only after that you can varnish it.
Step 3. Install the finished frame so that the posts closely touch the corners of the bed.
Step 4. The frame is draped with fabric by throwing it over the crossbars. There is also another design option, when the material is divided into four parts and beautifully tied to the frame posts.
Materials and tools for suspended construction
To do this you will need the following:
- Construction pencil.
- Roulette or ruler.
- At least four pieces of anchors or dowels.
- Four meters of some ribbon or silk braid.
- Drill-driver.
- Two pre-painted wooden planks or shovels at least one meter long.
- Canopy fabric.
Making a pendantcanopy: step by step instructions
Step 1. It is necessary to apply the markup directly above the bed. To do this, you need to measure the length of the planks or cuttings, which should be the same. Mark the places where the anchors will be attached. It is very important that they are paired and located parallel to each other. The distance between the anchors must be at least 50 cm. It depends on the width of the bed.
Step 2. Holes are drilled in the marked places and anchors are inserted into them, and ribbons are tied to them so that a beautiful decorative loop is obtained. Their length will be 40 cm with a standard room height of 2.8 m. If the ceilings are higher, then more tape will be needed.
Step 3. The fabric already prepared and pre-treated at the edges is laid out on the floor. The material for the canopy should be a single piece, the length of which is equal to the height of the room, multiplied by two, plus an additional 2.5-3 meters.
Step 4. In the middle of the fabric, a segment is marked, the width of which is equal to the distance between the anchors. It is necessary to add at least 40-50 cm to it so that the canopy sags beautifully over the bed.
Step 5. To attach wooden planks in the marked places, a line is made on the fabric. In this way, a groove is formed, into which the strips are then inserted. Then the resulting frame is suspended by tape loops. So that they do not slip off the planks, you can make some decorative details at their ends that will play the role of plugs.
Step 6. The canopy bed is ready. It remains only to distribute beautifullyflowing fabric on both sides, forming a loose drape.
The same suspension structure is used to equip the round frame for the canopy. An ordinary hula hoop is perfect for this, the diameter of which can be chosen at your own discretion.
